Planning to study at Arizona State University (ASU) as an international student? This guide collects the most current, official information (verified against ASU pages) about the scholarships, awards, and funding routes available to non-U.S. students — who’s eligible, how much you can get, how to apply, timelines and realistic tips to increase your chances.

Note: the details below were confirmed from ASU’s official sites (Admissions, Tuition, Global Education Office, Graduate College) as of December 8, 2025. Check the ASU pages linked in the “Quick links & sources” section at the end for any program updates after that date.

1) Big picture: what type of funding can international students get at ASU?

University merit scholarships for incoming undergraduates — ASU offers merit-based awards to highly qualified international first-year and transfer students. These include the flagship New American University (NAMU) Scholarship and other campus/college awards. International applicants are evaluated for some of these scholarships automatically based on admission credentials and supporting materials.
ASU Global / GEO scholarships and grants — The Global Education Office (GEO) administers several modest awards aimed specifically at international students (examples such as GEO Merit, GEO International Student Scholarship, GEO Go Global Grant). These are smaller amounts (often in the low thousands) intended to help with costs or participation in global programs.
Departmental & college scholarships — Many colleges, schools and programs at ASU (e.g., engineering, business, arts) run their own awards for incoming and continuing students. Some require a separate application or faculty nomination.
Graduate funding (assistantships, fellowships, grants) — Graduate students (master’s & PhD) may be eligible for teaching assistantships (TA), research assistantships (RA), fellowships and departmental scholarships. These can cover tuition (part or full) and often include a stipend; many require application/nomination by the graduate program.
External scholarships & sponsorships — Many international students combine ASU awards with funding from home-country governments, private foundations, or international programs. ASU encourages seeking external funding too.
Limited federal aid — International students typically cannot file the U.S. FAFSA and are therefore not eligible for most U.S. federal student aid programs. Plan accordingly.

2) The flagship: New American University (NAMU) Scholarship — what to know

Who it’s for: Highly qualified incoming international first-year and transfer F-1 students (non-immigrant, nonresident degree-seeking).
Award amounts: Typical ranges reported on ASU pages are about $3,000 to $10,000 per year for qualifying recipients (amount is determined by the admission review of academic credentials).
Renewal: Many ASU merit scholarships (including NAMU) are renewable (NAMU is explicitly renewable for multiple semesters when renewal conditions are met
How to be considered: In most cases, you are automatically considered if you have submitted a complete admission application and required documents by the scholarship consideration deadline (ASU lists April 1 as an important date for automatic scholarship consideration for some international awards — submit all materials by that date).

Bottom line: If you want to be in the running for NAMU, submit a complete application (including official transcripts/test scores where required) by ASU’s posted consideration date (see your program’s pages and the admission/scholarship pages).

3) Graduate funding — how it works for international master’s & PhD students

Assistantships (TA/RA/GAs): Many departments hire graduate students as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants. These positions often include a stipend and tuition remission (partial or full) — but availability and terms vary by program. Departments typically advertise TA/RA openings and select candidates during admissions or afterwards; some require a separate application or faculty nomination.
Graduate College fellowships & awards: Some university-level fellowships (e.g., completion or enrichment fellowships) exist, but many require program nomination — students often cannot apply directly. Check the Graduate College funding pages for current lists and eligibility.
International graduate students should contact their prospective program as early as possible to learn about program-specific funding opportunities and nomination procedures.

4) ASU Scholarship Universe — how to use it (and when it opens)

What it is: Scholarship Universe is ASU’s centralized scholarship matching and application system for admitted students (it combines university-level and many institutional/college scholarships into one place).
Access & timing: Scholarship Universe typically opens for admitted students at specific times each year (ASU indicated Scholarship Universe opens for admitted students on October 1, 2025 for that admissions cycle). Admitted students should check My ASU and Scholarship Universe for matched scholarship opportunities and application steps after admission.
Tip: You must be admitted (and sometimes have a My ASU account or admission deposit completed) to see and apply to many internal scholarships in Scholarship Universe.

5) Application checklist & timeline (practical)

Research program requirements (ASU has multiple campuses and online programs — funding availability differs by campus and college). Start with your program’s official page.
Apply for admission early and submit complete materials (official transcripts, test scores, English proficiency proof) — many merit scholarships require a complete file by a posted consideration date (e.g., April 1 for automatic consideration).
Admitted? Create/access My ASU and Scholarship Universe (opens for admitted students; e.g., Oct 1 for the 2025 cycle) — complete Scholarship Universe profile and apply where indicated.
For graduate students: contact the program director or graduate coordinator about TA/RA/fellowship openings and nomination deadlines.
Look for GEO and departmental awards — some require separate forms or faculty nominations.
Pursue external sponsors — government scholarships, foundations, and employer sponsorships can be combined with ASU aid.
Document and proofread: prepare concise personal statements, CV, and recommendation letters if required by scholarship forms.

6) Realistic expectations and strategy

Merit scholarships are competitive. ASU offers a limited number of larger merit awards for international students; most awards are targeted to strong academic records or special talents. Apply broadly (departmental scholarships + Scholarship Universe) and strengthen your application (clear transcripts, strong English scores, standout essays where requested).
Graduate funding is more promising for PhD applicants. Many doctoral students receive funding via RAs/TAs or fellowships. Master’s students have fewer guaranteed packages, but individual departments sometimes offer RA/TA lines. Contact faculty whose research aligns with yours — they are often the source of RA funding.
Small GEO awards help but won’t cover full costs. Expect GEO scholarships (e.g., merit or access awards) to be helpful supplements rather than full tuition coverage.

FAQs

Q — Do I need to apply separately for the New American University Scholarship?
A — No separate application in most cases; ASU typically considers international first-year/transfer applicants automatically if the admission file is complete by the scholarship consideration date. However, check your admit instructions and Scholarship Universe for any additional steps.

Q — Can international students get federal financial aid at ASU?
A — Generally no; international students are typically not eligible for FAFSA-based federal aid. Explore university scholarships, departmental funding, assistantships, and external sponsors instead.

Q — What amounts should I expect?
A — Merit awards like NAMU commonly range between $3,000–$10,000 (award varies by academic credentials). GEO awards are typically smaller (e.g., $2,000–$2,500 ranges for some GEO grants). Graduate assistantships/fellowships may include tuition remission and stipends that substantially reduce cost, but vary by program

ASU Scholarships for International Students: Complete Guide